Harare – Former Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards forward Abbas Amidu has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment in Zimbabwe after being convicted of dealing in dangerous drugs (dagga). The sentencing comes months after he was denied bail following his arrest in October 2025.
At the time of his arrest, Amidu — whose registered name is Tumai Matsika — was denied bail by a Zimbabwean court after the State argued that he was a flight risk and that investigations were ongoing. The matter has now concluded with his conviction and sentencing.
According to a report by The Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe, Amidu and his co-accused, Kudzai (Reuben) Mhlanga, were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment after appearing in court on Tuesday for possession of a haul of dagga with an estimated street value of US$75,000 (approximately R1.2 million).
The report attributes confirmation of the conviction and sentence to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
In a press statement dated February 23, 2026, the ZRP stated: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that crime does not pay. This follows the arrest, conviction and sentencing of two former soccer players, Tumai Matsika (Abbas Amidu) and Kudzai (Reuben) Mhlanga for dealing in dangerous drugs (dagga). The two appeared in court on 24th February 2026 for sentencing and were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.”
The police also applauded members of the public for their continued cooperation and support in the fight against crime.
The sentencing of Amidu concludes a case that drew significant attention at the time of his arrest, including questions surrounding his registered name and age, as authorities listed him under Tumai Matsika. The conviction marks a dramatic fall from grace for the former professional footballer, who once enjoyed a successful career in South Africa's Premier Soccer League (PSL).
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